political perspectives from Joni Hudson-Reynolds, an African-American Mom

National Wear Red Day-Friday February 1st

For 10 years, women have fought heart disease and saved the lives of more than 627,000 women, thanks to the collective energy, passion, time, money and HEART of the 25 million Americans who have supported the Go Red For Women movement. But the fight is not over. Because this No. 1 killer is still taking the lives of our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. Because women we love are dying, and many more are impacted every day. In recognition of the 10th National Wear Red Day on February 1, 2013, Go Red For Women asks that Women Go Red across the country in new and bold ways. In the past, we have proudly worn red. But this February, let’s do more than that. Let’s make sure that every landmark, every Main Street, every organization and every home in America goes red. Let’s turn America RED to shine a spotlight on heart disease in women. It’s time to shout louder, stand stronger and demand change. It’s time to come together in a movement that is not just FOR women, but BY women. It’s time for women to Go Red.*(American Heart Association)

African American Heart Health Stats
•Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African American women.
•Of African American women ages 20 and older, 46.9 percent have cardiovascular disease
•Only 1 in 5 African American women thinks she is personally at risk.
•Nearly 50 percent of African American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
•Only 43 percent of African American knows that heart disease is their greatest health risk.